E-readers started out as extremely cheap and uninspiring devices, unlike the interesting and eye-catching books they were meant to mimic. Over the years, this industry has grown to encompass more than just reading text, and E Ink devices are now just as capable as regular tablets but with the benefit of an eye-friendly screen. Some are even Android tablets masquerading as eBook readers, e-notebooks, and more.
This rise in power, however, also gave way to a rise in prices, and E Ink tablets are no longer the same economical choice as they were before. Even worse, their designs have inherited the same problems as regular tablets when it comes to sustainability. Supernote is now challenging the status quo with an e-notebook that wraps repairability in a rather unusual design that’s inspired by an equally unusual creature.
Designer:
There is a great deal of obsession with making devices as thin and as light as possible, sometimes at the expense of functionality, which is how headphone jacks disappeared from phones. Supernote found itself in a slightly similar design conundrum but with the already thin USB-C port this time. But instead of compromising its goal of producing the thinnest and lightest e-notebook possible, it turned to Mother Nature for inspiration instead.
Nicknamed “Manta” after the fish of the same name, the Supernote A5 X2 boasts a thickness of only 3.6mm (0.14 inches) at the thinnest edges and only 6.0mm (0.24 inches) overall. But like a manta ray’s cephalic fins, this super-slim tablet’s back flares out a bit at the USB-C port and power button, both located at the top of the device, making it look like this sea creature. It’s a rather odd visual, admittedly, and perfectionists might feel uneasy about the unevenness of the surface.
Perhaps a more interesting feature of the Supernote A5 X2, however, is its repairability. It has a central panel on its back that can be easily removed, giving access to a replaceable battery, expandable microSD storage, and more importantly, an upgradable motherboard. This definitely goes above and beyond, something not even the cheapest Android tablet can offer. That said, this potential can only be realized if Supernote itself makes replacement parts available.
Unlike most E Ink devices today, the Supernote A5 X2 is geared more towards writing than reading, with experiences that primarily revolve around its note-taking app. It has even partnered with famed pen brand Lamy for its luxurious-looking styluses which use a Ceramic “NeverReplace” Nib that doesn’t wear out, improving its sustainable quality even further. That said, the Supernote A5 X2 Manta isn’t a cheap kit, starting at $459 without a $99 Lamy pen, but it will hopefully last a lot longer than your typical E Ink tablet.
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